Paula Sperry’s funeral Sept. 19

Lisa Mumpton wrote in this morning to say that Paula Sperry passed away Friday morning.

Her note: “Trisha Stevens has asked me to convey this information to as many of you as possible. Trisha said that DU would be holding some sort of service details to follow. Please pass this news onto anyone who might have known Paula. She was a grad student at the University of Denver theater in the 1980s, and was on faculty in the theater department for many years. She retired about five years ago.”

Added Gabriella Cavallero, who knew Sperry for 20 years: What a troubling time. Paula was a longtime acting teacher and mentor of tons of young folks for decades at DU’s theater department.”

As an actor, Sperry performed in, among others, “Women Aloud: Artistic Estrofest ’99” at the Shop (director Kathryn Gray).

She was quoted in a 1995 Denver Post story talking about improv comedy:

Instructor Paula Sperry of the theater department at the
University of Denver said two levels of improvisation made NBC’s
“”Saturday Night Live” a hit.

“”There actually are two forms of improv. … Actor-training
improv is not designed to be performed before an audience. It is
really a rehearsal and class technique. (Comedy) improv is very
different. It is designed to be seen by an audience. It is not
about training actors at all.” “”Saturday Night Live” uses
both, she said.

“”There is the improv done in rehearsal, which they do
throughout the week, Monday through Friday. Then, when they put
it on tape Saturday night, it is improv for performance.

“”It has more structure (when they are taping), but that is
one of the reasons people really liked John Belushi. Belushi
never stayed totally within the structure. …”

Paula was an inspiration to me and her heart was as big as Texas, where she was originally from. She was there for me when many weren’t. I was proud to have her at the birth of my son and the joy on her face witnessing her first birth is a memory that will stick with me forever. I loved her greatly and she will be missed.

KSG

Paula was an inspiration to me and her heart was as big as Texas, where she was originally from. She was there for me when many weren’t. I was proud to have her at the birth of my son and the joy on her face witnessing her first birth is a memory that will stick with me forever. I loved her greatly and she will be missed.

Susan Romeo

Paula was an important mentor to me as a young woman, feminist and human being. I have always appreciated and respected her kindness, intelligence and creativity. She will be missed by many.

Susan Romeo

Paula was an important mentor to me as a young woman, feminist and human being. I have always appreciated and respected her kindness, intelligence and creativity. She will be missed by many.

Kathryn Gray

she also was a spectacular “Big Mama” in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof produced by Industrial Arts about 10 years ago or so. She was one of the most amazingly gifted mentor I’ve ever known and she taught me a lot about listening. She also was a spectacular director, getting the big picture quickly. I always relied on her extra set of eyes and feed back for anything I directed. Her gentle-loving soul and powerful personality will be missed by many. But thank you Paula for making us all see the world a tiny bit differently which perception in turn made us all a little bit better human beings. You were a blessing in all our lives and we thank you for all you gave us.

Kathryn Gray

she also was a spectacular “Big Mama” in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof produced by Industrial Arts about 10 years ago or so. She was one of the most amazingly gifted mentor I’ve ever known and she taught me a lot about listening. She also was a spectacular director, getting the big picture quickly. I always relied on her extra set of eyes and feed back for anything I directed. Her gentle-loving soul and powerful personality will be missed by many. But thank you Paula for making us all see the world a tiny bit differently which perception in turn made us all a little bit better human beings. You were a blessing in all our lives and we thank you for all you gave us.

Derek Nason

Thank you Paula. You are truly one of my greatest mentors. You are with me as I move forward as a Theatre Educator. I learned so much from you, and above all you reinforced the virtues of decency and kindness. My condolences to all of Paula’s family and loved ones. Rest in Peace

Derek Nason

Thank you Paula. You are truly one of my greatest mentors. You are with me as I move forward as a Theatre Educator. I learned so much from you, and above all you reinforced the virtues of decency and kindness. My condolences to all of Paula’s family and loved ones. Rest in Peace

Orlando Vega

I’m so sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. She was my theater teacher at D.U. in 1987 and was amazing. I learned a great deal from her and she helped me with my lack of self-confidence. She will be missed.

Orlando Vega

I’m so sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. She was my theater teacher at D.U. in 1987 and was amazing. I learned a great deal from her and she helped me with my lack of self-confidence. She will be missed.

Sunni Scrivner

I'm just reading this news today and am so saddened to hear of Paula's death. She was an important mentor to me as well. I was a theatre student at DU from 1986 – 1990. I learned so much from her about theatre and about life in general and have thought of her often over the years. We kept in touch for several years after I graduated but I hadn't been in touch lately. She will definitely be missed.

Sunni Scrivner

I'm just reading this news today and am so saddened to hear of Paula's death. She was an important mentor to me as well. I was a theatre student at DU from 1986 – 1990. I learned so much from her about theatre and about life in general and have thought of her often over the years. We kept in touch for several years after I graduated but I hadn't been in touch lately. She will definitely be missed.

Paula was a great influence on me at DU in the time I was there as a grad student.
She was a fine director and I have no doubt her influence on students was profound. I haven’t seen her since the early 80’s yet she was constantly in my thoughts. A huge loss for the department at DU.